London will be a huge game for the Bengals. For the second straight week, they will be facing a former coordinator. Beating Gruden and Washinton is crucial.
As the London showdown approaches, the Bengals are sure of one thing. They’ll be facing another architect of the Cincinnati offense. Jay Gruden and his Washington Redskins will be in the Bengals’ faces when the battle starts at historic Wembley Stadium. For the second straight week, a former Bengals coordinator will be seeking a win.
In Week 7, Hue Jackson brought the Browns to Paul Brown Stadium for the Battle of Ohio Part 1. The results weren’t what Jackson was looking for. The Browns played with tenacity but weren’t on the level of Jackson’s former team.
“OK, how’s everybody doing? Obviously, another loss,” Jackson stated during his press conference, via Clevelandbrowns.com. “Didn’t play as well as I still think we can play, but obviously Cincinnati played well. They played well all the way around and they won the game, and that’s the way it’s going to be. What do you have?”
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Jackson was impressed with the Bengals and wanted that to be the only time the subject was brought up. He went on to say that the Bengals did nothing new. What Jeremy Hill, Andy Dalton, A.J. Green and the offense did was standard. According to Hue, blocking and execution were on point. In fact, things went so well, Jackson snatched off his headset and called the Browns out.
While fans are just scratching their heads, yawning and looking for a cup of java, Marvin Lewis will be getting ready to face another former employee. Gruden did a bang-up job with Dalton and the Cincinnati offense. Now, the friendship has to be put aside. The Bengals have to treat Gruden like they treated Jackson.
Nothing Personal…It’s Just Business
Putting away the best-bud feelings is becoming a tradition. Remember Leslie Frazier? If you don’t, Lewis did. In a 2013 blowout, the Bengals rocked the Minnesota Vikings 42-14. Do I have to say it? Frazier was the Vikes head coach. Frazier was the Bengals defensive coordinator (2003-2004) under Lewis. With the win over Jackson, Lewis is 2-0 against his coaching tree.
Beating Gruden won’t be an easy task. But, Zampese and Co. have put enough spin on the offense to cause some confusion. If the execution of the plays was enough to make Hue toss his headphones, the heat should be turned up higher for Jay.
Gruden still has respect for the system. He praised Ken Zampese for what he’s accomplished as the new coordinator. Jay respects the carryover but understands that Zampese has put a twist on things.
"“He was crucial in the development of Andy Dalton and our whole offense in general. He’s great with Xs and Os. He knew the players well and that helped me out a ton. I knew he was an offensive-coordinator-in-waiting without a doubt.”"
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If Cincinnati shows up, fans may get to see Gruden as frustrated as Jackson. But, the Bengals will need to come out with a serious business plan. Playing flat and uninspired is not an option.
This is another must-win scenario for the Bengals. All friendships are off.